(I wrote a kinds nice oneshot. Idk, I was tired, it was 12pm and I figure I need to update this. I apologize for any OOCness, but fear can heavily impact characterization. I just… wanted to write something corny I guess. Part 2 of the previous twoshot should be uploaded tomorrow. I'm sorry for the delay.)
Some nights were harder than most.
Some nights, the terrifying Nuckelavee would plague the minds of either (or both) Ren and Nora. They had finally, finally defeated that vile creature just hours before- so why now of all times did it return in their dreams?
Some nights, one would find themselves awakening in a cold sweat, too scared to move or even think. Too scared to close their eyes and return to that horrible night.
Most nights, the simple companionship of their best friend would deter the nightmares.
This was not one of the easy nights.
Every time I've closed my eyes tonight, I see it.
That battle. Again. And again. But...different. I see it clearly: Ren fighting. And me holding him back. But when my eyes close tonight, my grip breaks. I don't have the chance to knock sense into him. And he rushes forward. And I watch. And I can't do anything, as he charges, as he fights, as he slips- Just one slip is enough- as it's spikes elongate, as Ren, the one person who cared about me for so long is...Is-
I open my eyes again and I realize I'm crying..sobbing.. I look over at his bed. He's under the covers. But is he breathing? Is he alive? Is he-?
I accidentally choke on a sob, making a pitiful noise between hacking and crying hysterically.
He's out of his bed within seconds, wrapping his arms around me and gently rubbing my back.
"It's alright, Nora," he whispers, "You're okay." But I don't give a damn that I'm okay. I start sobbing harder as I'm pressed against his chest because I can feel his heart beating and I'm just. So. Relieved.
He pulls back, more worried than before. I can see it in his eyes, even though a few beams of moonlight are all that's illuminating the room.
"Nora, what's wrong?" He asks, even though he no doubt knows it was a nightmare. He wants to know what happened in it, because normally he talks me through it, pointing out why it'll never happen. Never in a condescending way. Somehow, he manages to do it in a way that simply let's him assure me we're safe.
I have no desire to hide it from him, but just opening my mouth to speak, to tell him i can't sleep because he could have died... I launch into full on hysterics, positive I'm going to drown in my own tears. The front of his shirt is already drenched.
He's trying to talk to me but it sounds so foreign. I can't make out a single word; I must be waterlogged. His hand gently shaking my shoulder is enough to get me focus to snap back to him.
"Nora!" He whispers in a harsher tone. "Nora, talk to me." This time it's more worried than harsh, and I force myself to oblige.
But all that comes out is "I...I..." broken by sobs. I swallow. "I'm so g-glad you're a-alive."
He releases a breath I didn't realize he'd been holding and pulls me in tight, "I'm glad you're alive, too, Nora," he says into my hair. I sigh shakily, glad I no longer have to fully answer his earlier question.
Rubbing up and down my lower back, he sighs, "I'll be here for you no matter what, Nora. I promise what happened earlier won't happen again. I won't lose control again." He waits silently for me to regain my composure before asking me, "Will you be alright?"
I nod, wiping my face with the hem of my shirt, "Yeah."
He smiles, in that special way he only does around me, "Would you like to go back to sleep now?"
I nod once more, and he lays out his left arm for me to use as a pillow. I wrap my arm around his torso and he does the same to me.
I begin to fall asleep to him gently rubbing my shoulder and back in an effort to soothe me. I look at my arm around his and realized I was… desaturated. I was used to this feeling by now. Of course he would use his semblance to calm me down...
I smile.
Because even though some nights have nightmares, all nights are going to have Ren.
No matter what.